Rain continues to fall in Canterbury, further delaying the debut of Orana Wildlife Park's newest attractions.

The two male cubs, nicknamed Boo and Lion, were among a litter of four born to mother Mazza at the reserve. Their two siblings died and there were fears Boo and Lion may also not survive. A litter of five born earlier in the year had all died.

Boo and Lion were due to be on display to the public from Boxing Day but days of rain has seen their appearance postponed.

A park spokesperson told followers on Facebook that "with the bad weather set to be around for a few more days, Boo and Lion's debut has been put on hold until further notice."

The reserve would notify the public "when things change". MetService forecasts rain would ease in the city on Monday.

The hand-reared pair were now "bouncy little things" and were thriving, Orana Wildlife Park spokesman Nathan Hawke told The Press last week.

Animal keeper Amanda Tiffin said Lion was given his name because there was a lion on the bottle he was fed with. He was living up to his name with his "bold" personality, she said.

Boo's name was short for boo-boo "because he was the sicker of the two" at the start, animal keeper Sam Jeune said.

"It's really lucky both of them are here . . . it was a bit touch and go to start," Hawke said.

"Both had lung infections and were in intensive care at the vet for quite a period of time before they came here. We're very lucky they managed to survive."

The cubs brought the total number of cheetahs at the park to 15, the others being nine adult males and four females.

However, Boo and Lion will be transferred to Wellington Zoo next year, Hawke said.